Former Mamelodi Sundowns player talks about why Mamelodi Sundowns are struggling in MTN8 | OneFootball

Former Mamelodi Sundowns player talks about why Mamelodi Sundowns are struggling in MTN8

The MTN 8 trophy continues to evade Mamelodi Sundowns, and former Malawi international Ernest Mtawali believes he knows why. Despite their domestic dominance—eight consecutive league titles—the Brazilians last lifted the Wafa Wafa cup in 2021, crashing out in last season's semifinals. As they prepare to face Richards Bay in today's quarterfinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Mtawali suggests their continental ambitions might be their local cup downfall.

"They've built this incredible squad depth precisely for moments like this," the ex-Sundowns man told iDiski Times. "Yet somehow, when August comes around, their focus seems split between the league and Champions League."

Mtawali acknowledges the psychological advantage of having settled coach Miguel Cardoso at the helm, fresh from their Club World Cup experience. But he issues a stark warning about their opponents: "Don't let Richards Bay's underdog status fool you—losing Mbuthuma hurts, but in Mhango they've signed a Malawian marksman who lives for giant-killing moments."

The veteran striker's analysis cuts to the heart of Sundowns' conundrum—how a team so relentless in the marathon of league football stumbles in cup competitions' sprint format. As Mtawali puts it: "This tournament rewards different qualities. That first trophy of the season sets a tone no continental campaign can replicate."

With kickoff approaching, Sundowns face more than just Richards Bay—they battle their own cup competition psyche. The solution, Mtawali implies, lies not in their star-studded roster but between their ears.